Hi, we are the Madsens—Jared, Lisa, Evan, Cooper, Meg, and our dogs, Opal and Jade.

MADSEN Cycles started with a passion for bicycles, a talent for design, and an entrepreneurial spirit. From the beginning, we believed a bicycle could be so much more.

Jared’s journey began at age 15 when he started working in a bike shop, driven by a childhood love of bicycles. Despite the challenges of dyslexia, his natural talent for mechanics and art fueled his success in building and creating. As a teenager, he restored old Toyota Land Cruisers to earn extra cash, setting the foundation for his path in mechanical design. Eventually, he worked at various companies designing arcade machines, motorized scooters, and ATVs, gaining valuable experience in manufacturing, engineering, and product development.

Jared’s father emigrated from Denmark at 17, bringing deep Danish roots that have shaped our family’s traditions, values, and love for bicycles. We recently reconnected with family in Aalborg, Denmark, where relatives still own the family farm where Grandpa once worked.

In 2007, a trip to the Netherlands inspired us to make cycling more accessible to families. Impressed by Europe’s cargo bikes, Jared set out to design one better suited for the U.S. market—blending inspiration from his travels with our Danish heritage.

Working from our garage in 2007-2008, Jared developed multiple prototypes, ultimately creating the 'bucket bike'—a rear cargo bike designed for easy riding, tackling hills, and ensuring safety. Built to carry up to 600 lbs, our bikes comfortably fit four kids, pets, and all their gear. Jared's goal was to create a bike that kids wouldn’t grow out of, making it the only cargo bike families would ever need—and one that lasts.

That same year, with our kids still little, we launched our small business. It was a bold venture filled with blood, sweat, and tears, but it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Today, thousands of families across the U.S., Canada, and Europe are making memories on MADSEN bikes.

Jared’s dedication to detail and demand for design perfection, paired with Lisa’s love for customer connections, has shaped MADSEN Cycles into what it is today. The amazing community of MADSEN owners worldwide has become one of the greatest joys of our lives and work.

Our mission is simple: make incredible products for incredible people and get more families outside, making memories together on Bucket Bikes!

Please reach out anytime—we love our customers!

The Madsen Family + Team
Jared, Lisa, Evan, Cooper, and Meg